Psychology of Dehumanization and Acquiescence | Analysis

The article analyzes the psychological aspects of the conflict in the context of Norman Finkelstein's publication, focusing on the mechanisms of dehumanization and moral disengagement. The author warns against attributing collective guilt to an entire society, pointing to the diversity of attitudes and the impact of the trauma following October 7th. It explains phenomena such as the outgroup homogeneity effect and the rally 'round the flag mechanism, which under conditions of existential threat can lead to a narrowing of the circle of moral concern. The text pays particular attention to the role of power discourse and dehumanizing phrasing (e.g., 'human animals'), which facilitate the acceptance of drastic military actions by excluding the opponent from the circle of humanity.